How much replacement car keys

These modern key fobs add conveniences, but replacing them if they get lost or broken can be expensive. To better understand the steps needed to replace a key fob—and the costs—we set out to buy and program several of them.

Along the way we learned several valuable lessons that can help you save money and time. Also, some extended warranties and new-car dealers offer key-fob insurance. The key fobs for European cars and SUVs are typically the most expensive, thanks to their sophisticated rolling-code encryption to prevent theft.

Consumer Reports Consumer Reports. Although it might be tempting to search for a cheaper key fob online, we learned from Audi and Subaru dealers that some won't work with aftermarket key fobs.

There's a built-in security chip in the fob that cannot be reprogrammed for another Audi. The need for this chip is also why you can't buy a new aftermarket Audi key fob online. Most dealers we contacted said key-fob programming typically takes just minutes, and the whole process, including cutting the mechanical spare key, rarely takes longer than an hour. This proved true even with European brands. Some brands, such as Chevrolet, make it possible for customers to save money on programming.

Be aware that regardless of the brand, most customer-programmable key fobs require two current, operational keys in order to program a third new key without going to the dealer, Yu says.

We found that retailers including Amazon. We shopped online because these fobs may not always be available in the store. Ibbotson says to be sure to call your local garage first, though, to make sure they can handle the job, since the level of key-fob programming equipment can vary from shop to shop.

CR ordered several different key fobs to assess both potential cost savings and the hassles of ordering key fobs online. So we brought our car to M. Sullivan Hyundai in New London, Conn. It looks nearly identical to the two original fobs that came with the minivan when new, but it lacks the Chrysler logo on the back. As with GM, Chrysler owners can program a third key fob themselves as long as they have two working fobs.

Getting a locksmith's help is another potentially money- and time-saving option. Many locksmiths are mobile, meaning they can drive to your house or workplace, or wherever the car sits waiting for a new key.

Protect My Car is basically an insurance policy for the mechanical features in your car. If your car breaks down when you have a policy with us you pay a deductible for covered expenses and we take care of getting the car repaired and covering the cost.

A vehicle service contract from Protect My Car can help cover the cost of these excessive repairs. When you walk into the repair shop with a coverage plan from PMC, you can rest assured that you will never pay for these repairs listed here. If it does, just fill out the form below for a free quote, and see how great it can be to never have to pay for car repairs ever again. Protect My Car offers multiple levels of extended coverage for vehicles.

The chart below outlines what those levels cover and how much the deductible will cost. Facebook 0 Tweet 0 LinkedIn 0. Our goal here at Protect My Car is to eliminate your worry of being financially responsible for an expensive mechanical breakdown. Looking for Something? Search for:. Want to protect your vehicle? Click For A Free Quote. A lot of breakdown services use an auto locksmith to complete the work, so going directly to the locksmith will be the cheapest option.

Not experts in keys and locks — they also may not have the expertise that an auto locksmith has in dealing with specific keys and lock types.

Slowest method — As the dealership may have to order in the key blank this may mean a length of time before they are able to help. Also, use an auto locksmith — A lot of car dealerships use the services of specialist auto locksmiths themselves. Garages may well not have the specialist key coding equipment on-site that an auto locksmith carries. Find a Auto Locksmith Near You. Are Locksmiths Police Approved or Registered? Choosing a Locksmith: How to find a good locksmith 6 Tips.

Our Locksmiths are criminal record checked. How we check our locksmiths. Our Locksmiths are Regularly Inspected. How we inspect our locksmiths. Our Locksmiths have passed the MLA exam.